Just got my TL a little over a week ago. It's an 04 with about 111k. I notice that under normal driving, the upshifts are not too smooth. Especially when shifting into 2nd and 3rd. It's not ridiculously bad and maybe some people wouldn't even notice it, but I really feel like it should shift more smoothly. I have never driven another TL to compare so idk.

Also, the thing that really worries me is when I am braking, once I get to about 40mph I can really notice the downshift. On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the most "jerky", I'd say it is at least a 6 or 7. This does not happen every time but it has happened a few times.

Should I expect to need to do some tranny work soon?

 

I sortof have the same issues as you. I have already replaced the ATF w/ Z1 fluid doing a 3x3, ATF filter and 3 and 4th gear sensor. I ordered some Redline racing atf and it should be arriving shortly. Hopefully, that solves the problem. Consensus is that the Z1 is subpar compared to other atf fluids out there such as redline or amsoil.

i'd recommend you do a 3x3 w/ redline or amsoil since the original owner probably hasn't done a 3x3 atf flush yet.

 

You have GOT to do a search. Cliffs notes: Downshifting as you come to a stop is normal. 3rd and 4th gear solenoids fix harsh downshifting and super lazy and soft upshifs and greatly extend trans life. Z1 is junk and you should replace it with any of the popular aftermarket fluids.

 

Just replaced 2 faulty engine mounts.... FIXED MY JERKING SHIFT PROBLEM.... YAY...


soooooo... have your mounts checked.

 

Just curious, don't mean to hijack your thread, but where did you order the motor mounts?

 

What are faulty engine mounts?

I have an '04 with 120k on it and also started noticing my transmission occasionally has a hard time coming out of 3rd to go up into 4th and causes some vibration. Not sure if that is the same sort of upshifting jerk you are talking about.

gotkilled,
I don't believe you want to mix and match trans fluids like that. To switch fluids, you would need to do a full flush, which you probably don't want to do on a tranny that old if it hasn't been done regularly.

 

I'm planning to do a 3x3 flush soon. Since the Z1 is junk what is the best aftermarket fluids you would reccomend for 04 automatic TL. Thanks.

 

Redline D4
Redline "racing" (firmer shifts)
Amsoil ATF
Amsoil ATD
Amsoil "racing"

All are great fluids that will greatly improve shift quality and trans life. You can run these fluids much longer than Z1 and they cost pretty close to the same.

Personally I recommend Redline racing fluid. Not the lightweight version but the regular version.

 

Classic signs of a worn out fluid and bad 3rd and 4th gear solenoids.

When the mileage is high and it's never had a fluid change, it's best to do a single drain and fill and drive it around for a few days before doing the second and third drain and fill. A flush will destroy these transmissions.

A "flush" by pulling the cooler lines (if you have an aftermarket cooler or a TL-S) is acceptable but only if it's not high mileage with no fluid changes.

The vibration you feel is shudder. Each time it puts thousands of miles worth of wear on the clutch packs. You need to do something about it now before it's too late. I would do the fluid and the solenoids.

 

On my car (04 5AT) the shift from 2 to 3 is a bit abrupt but all other shifts are very smooth, it's been like this since I got the car, I've put on 30,000 kms since then.

 

I assume the Redline racing fluid is for an 04 TL automatic? Also where can I get a good deal on it?

 

Based on all my research, I believe this is very good advice. I did a drain and fill last week and have not noticed the 3rd to 4th shudder any more. Hoping that did it. After a couple more weeks of driving I will be doing 2 more drain and fills.

 

By the way, what are the solenoids and how do you "do" them?

 

Try here:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ssion+problems

 

Thanks much for the link to that thread!

I'm still unclear on this though. Are the solenoids the same thing as the sensors?

 

will using anything other than Z1 void the powertrain warranty?

 

3rd and 4th gear AT parts are sometimes referred to on this forum as sensors, solenoids or switches. Same parts.

Changing ATF to a better quality will not impact the warranty.

 

if you got hard jerking, your trans has seen better days.....and while changing the fluid and pressure switches may help, start saving now.......

 

I serviced my trans fluid and changed out the 3rd and 4th sensors a couple weeks ago. My poor shift quality is completely gone. I have nice smooth shifts again.

I recommend doing these two simple things to your trans to see if it cures your problems.